Anthony J Crowley

Good Omens Rp account

[crowley-j-demon]

"We're on our own side"

💜 They/he

🖤 SFW

💜 Asexual and aromantic

🖤 Gay

💜 Autistic

🖤 Feel free to RP with him

💜 (Semi) literate

🖤 4+ years experience

💜 Descriptive

🖤 OC's welcome

Please read the rules below before interacting:

🔮 Don't force interactions. Mun has ADHD and Depression and sometimes these cause us to drop RP's or pause them for the time being. We also

Character Profile:

Asteriel/Ariel Eye colour: purple (can change it) Hair colour: ginger (can change it) Age: depends on the Roleplay but over 6000 Pronoun

[crowley-j-demon]

//Sorry for disapearing for a while 😂🤧 a lot has been going on in my personal life but i will.be trying to get back here soon!

[crowley-j-demon]

//i will try and get back to replies on here soon. I apologise for my absence. A lot has been happening in my personal life, and I now have a cold ontop of starting my foundation degree soon.

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt

[destinedlightt]

He was always made to attend these things , he hated them most of the time , none of the knights catching his attention and Arthur simply rambling on . But this time .. as he watches them file onto the tournament grounds , his eyes are drawn to one man , and he finds himself unable to keep his gaze from him . Until -

“Merlin ! I said I need help with my armor ,” the blonde rolls his eyes and tosses his chest plate at him . He catches it without being too thrown off balance and tears his gaze from the man in all black armor .

[crowley-j-demon]

Most of the knights present had brought at least one servant to attend to them during the tournament, but Crowley had arrived alone. He much preferred his own company anyway. Once he was registered, he made his way onto the ground to have a look around. His helmet was held under his arm.

He had some time before he was expected to fight, so he was just going to relax and observe his opponents. Before making his way into the city, he had used a miracle to disguise his eyes, knowing the kings feelings around sorcerers and not wanting to risk getting into trouble.

[destinedlightt]

As he’s stood to the side getting Arthur into his armor he sees the knight who’d caught his eye and he cannot help but stare . He felt something , he felt off or odd , something wasn’t ‘normal’ about this man and it intrigued him . It felt like magic of sorts but surely someone wouldn’t risk that ? In something such a public affair ?

Arthur rolls his eyes and steps away to finish his buckles on his wrist plates when he sees Merlin has completely zoned out .

“Honestly Merlin , you’re useless sometimes ,” and he walks away leaving the servant alone .

[crowley-j-demon]

He couldn't help but feel the eyes on him as he moved around the area. It took him a moment to figure out who it was, for when he looked in Merlin's direction, he was already distracted by the prince.

There was something different about the man, that much he could sense. So much power radiated from him, but why would someone that powerful be working as a servant? With his curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the man and just caught what the sandy haired prince had said to him.

Pausing beside the darker haired man once the prince had left, he comments, "Bit rude, I thought princes were supposed to be nobel."

[destinedlightt]

He turns and realizes just who had approached him , his eyes drop down , he was supposed to show nobles respect , “I- well .. he’s in a mood today it would seem ,” he shrugs , he wants to look up at him but can’t bring himself to , fiddling with the hem of his scarf instead .

“I’ve not seen your crest In tournament before ,” he states the fact .

“Visiting ? Far off or ?”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to the excuse from the man and notices his nervous behaviour with a chuckle. "You don't have to treat me like the other nobles, I've never really cared much for their stupid rules."

He glances towards the crowd and then back again, studying the man beside him now that he's close enough. "Not normally my sort of scene, I don't really compete much. An old friend of mine couldn't stop going on about how great the city is, so I figured I should pay a visit."

He purses his lips at the mention of coming from far off, "You could say that yeah."

[destinedlightt]

He tilts his head and quirks a brow at the comment of saying that , “You aren’t typical , you don’t enjoy the tournaments yet here you are and you’re from somewhere else ?” That plus the power he felt coming off of him .

“What are you ? I don’t mean to sound rude but ,” if he was magical he more than likely sensed his own , if he was in tune with it and the warlock let his guard down which he does now for a moment . A test .

[crowley-j-demon]

He shrugs with a grin on his face, "I was curious, and I don't normally compete because I can easily win... Not to sound cocky." He chuckles, "though I realise it does sound like that." He hums, "I travel a lot."

His brow cocks at that, such an outright question. "I don't know-" His words cut off as he feels the energy coming from the man increase. "I should be asking you the same thing." His eyes are wide as he glances around them to ensure they're not being listened to.

[destinedlightt]

As he notices the flux Merlin takes that as his sign , “I- well .. then I suppose we both have a gift or rather what is deemed here as a curse .. since birth ?” He asks knowing the other will understand it now .

“I was born this way , have to keep it hidden , it’s outlawed here . Which is something considering if the king had eyes he’d see his own had .”

[crowley-j-demon]

He studies the other for a moment, wondering how much he should say. He didn't really want to lie to the man, but he couldn't exactly say, or hope to explain, the fact that he's a demon to him. "I guess you could say that."

He nods, "I know it is, but no one will catch me. They don't know of the techniques my kind use." Miracles were very much out of their field of vision. Nothing gave them away, not unless you were a demon or angel yourself. He studies him again, born with magic? "Explains why I sense so much from you."

[destinedlightt]

“I sense a lot from you as well .. just be careful ,” he didn’t want a fellow user to be in danger .

“Uhm would it be too bold or out of place to ask for meeting later ? We can have a drink or something and talk more privately , there are far too many ears and eyes here that will not show us any mercy or twist our words even if we use a code of sorts . But best of luck , he may be an arrogant prat but he is good with his jousts and sword .” He clearly means Arthur .

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley nods with a chuckle. "I'll do my best, I'm not exactly a careful fellow."

His eyes widen slightly at the question, and he can't help the small swoop of his stomagh in response. "No, not out of place at all," he smiles at him. "I would love that." He glances at those around them and nods. The man had a point. It wasn't safe to be themselves here. Looking back, he grins, "Thanks, I'm sure I'll manage to fair well myself."

[crowley-j-demon]

He's doing his best to take good care of Aziraphale's bookshop while he's away investigating when he hears the bell signify someone's entry. Throwing the books in his hands away and using a miracle to ensure their safety, he makes his way to the front. "Hello there, how can I help you?"

[thesparedata]

Books! Books would be just the thing he needed to guide him! The blond in armor opened up the door to the building wherein he'd seen shelves upon shelves of them through its windows. A bell rung. He took a look then stepped in. He was a tall, muscular fellow, late twenties to early thirties.

His blue eyes didn't have long to scan his surroundings before he was approached by the red-haired shopkeeper. "Um..." He took a second before he noticed the other man's eyes and held up his hands, taking a tense, cautious stance. "Please, I don't mean any harm, Sorcerer, I swear, I'm just looking for Camelot!", he spoke in a language that sounded Germanic but wasn't exactly German, his tone insistent, trying to calm and assure.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley paused a few feet away from the sandy haired man and gave him a confused look, his head tilting to the side, "sorcerer?" He'd become much more comfortable in recent years, and thus had stopped wearing his sunglasses as often as he used to. Though, he still wore them while he was out and about. The bookshop had been quiet all day. Thus, he had forgotten to put his signature shades on.

He easily understood the man's accent, having been stationed on earth for six thousand years. "I'm no sorcerer." He catches onto the man's words, and the language he was using and squints at him. Giving him a confused look up and down, he shakes his head, "Camelot? But it hasn't existed for years."

[thesparedata]

Slowly, the knight relaxed, putting down his arms, while studying the other. He seemed honest enough. He smiled sheepishly. "My mistake. A trick of the light, perhaps. Everything is so strange here..." He gestured to the fake candles. He was relieved to have someone he could finally understand, someone who understood him too, in a place such as this.

"Hasn't existed for years?", he repeated, scoffing, "My entire kingdom couldn't just disappear, it's inconceivable!" He glanced about the place again, looking for a map or something he might not have noticed on his first look, and gave it a little thought, trying to come up with a way he could still go home to those he'd known. "Maybe it was renamed in my absence? Gwenhwyfar must've had her reasons and thought up something suitable."

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to man's words, trying to wrap his head around his strange behaviour when he catches onto the meaning. 'Trick of the light'. Crowley wasn't wearing his sunglasses. He quickly pulled them from his jacket pocket and slipped them on. "Strange? How so?" He studied the man once more, making note of his clothing. Something odd was going on here.

His eyebrow raises at the man's outburst at Camelot, not existing anymore. "Your kingdom?..." Then something clicks in his mind, fragments of memories from long ago. Aziraphale's ramblings from long ago, back when they had both been knights, fighting under different kings. "Wait... You're not?... But that's impossible..." How many years had it been? Too many for any normal human to still be alive, surely. It would take more than a miracle to make that happen. "King Arthur?"

He shakes his head. "I mean, yes, it was renamed many times, but that kingdom doesn't exist anymore. Too much time has passed." He walks in a circle around the man, inspecting him, then he reaches out to poke the man in the chest. "You shouldn't be alive. How are you alive?" He really needed Aziraphale here to help him with this. He was way out of his depth.

[thesparedata]

Arthur paused, his eyes widening. 'Gone'? 'Too much time'? Trying to fully comprehend it, he barely reacted from the poke in the chest, not that there was much to feel with the armor he wore but it helped to bring him back a bit. "I...I don't know..." He blinked and refocused, looking to the other. "I've been asking myself that! Not even Merlin had been able to-"

The shop bell rang again and Arthur could hear footsteps behind him and an excited voice saying, "Crowley, you'll never guess what happened!" His expression turned cautiously hopeful at its familiarity and he turned around to see one of his knights holding a small armful of books. It didn't make sense, based on what the shopkeeper- Crowley?- had said, but there he was! "Aziraphale!"

Aziraphale gasped, seeing him, and clutched his books tighter. "Oh good Lord!" Arthur grinned, close to crying with happiness but trying to hold back as usual. "It's really you!" He chuckled, going over to greet him properly with a clap on the shoulder "Your Majesty!", the Angel breathed, scarcely able to believe it. He remembered his king's face. It had taken him a second, after the surprise of seeing a knight in his bookshop but he was able to place him. "Wel-Welcome back!" He glanced to Crowley, giving him a look that promised an explanation would be forthcoming, before inviting Arthur to come in and sit down.

[crowley-j-demon]

Just when the demon had been thinking about calling the angel, he walked into the shop. Speak of the devil!... Angel?... Whatever. Thank Satan for his arrival! Surely the angel would have some explanation for all of this? Crowley peaked around Arthur to watch the angel enter the bookshop, and despite the situation, he couldn't help the surge of happiness within him at his return. "I think we have more pressing matters right now, angel." Though he was curious what Aziraphale had wanted to talk about, and where he had managed to get the new books from. Knowing the angel, he had probably been busy investigating and gotten distracted.

Well, that settles that question. It really was King Arthur then. Still, the question of how and why remains in his mind. He caught the angels look and gave a nod in return. At least one of them seemed to have an idea of what was going on. "I'll go make some tea. We're going to need it." Perhaps he should just skip to drinking some wine instead? He mulls this over as he leaves the room to go and get the tea ready.

[thesparedata]

"Yes, quite!", agreed Aziraphale, "Thank you, Crowley!" He was definitely going to need some tea. Arthur might, too. He made to lead the former ruler towards his couch in the back. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you! Your...Crowley said time had passed and Camelot was gone, and I thought..." Aziraphale glanced to Arthur, who was following, in sympathy. "I understand. It's a little complicated but I will do my best to help explain everything I know." And, after, he would have a phone call to make to an old friend, unless he already knew. Merlin...How was he, these days?

Aziraphale sat Arthur down on the comfy, old sofa, giving him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder and, setting the books he'd brought back aside, sat himself down in his usual chair. "There we are. Now, first things first, I'm sorry to say that what Crowley said was true. We are in the year of our Lord two-thousand and twenty-three.", he said gently, "And Camelot has indeed been lost to time, though some things stilp remain." "Two-thousand and twenty-three..." Arthur frowned sadly and ran a hand through his hair. This was a lot. "That's why everything is so strange, but, if everything and everyone is gone, how come you're here?"

The Angel hated to lie to him even halfway, and it would be letting him down, but it was necessary. Humans weren't to know, not even kings. "Sir Aziraphale of the Table Round was my ancestor after whom I was named, he passed down the tales of you and the others through the family. I believe I may even have his diaries somewhere in the shop." Poor boy, Arthur looked like he was holding back tears. He couldn't keep the sadness from his voice. "You favor him in looks....This bookshop is yours?" "Yes, well, Crowley was minding it for me. He's...my oldest and dearest of friends. It's our bookshop, really, in all but name.", Aziraphale explained with his fondness for Crowley clearly showing.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley made his way to the kitchen in the back of the bookshop and began to make tea for the three of them, and one for Gabriel, who was currently upstairs in his room. He hummed to himself while moving around the room to grab the cups and such. He could use a miracle to make the tea easily, but he much preferred to make it the traditional way.

Once the cups were made, he left three of them sitting on the counter and made his way upstairs. Knocking on Gabriel's door, he sat the tea on the floor outside, "I made tea for you!" He still wasn't particularly happy with the ex arch angel being in the bookshop, but for Aziraphale's sake, he was doing his best to 'get on' with him.

He then made his way back down the stairs and grabbed the three cups of tea before making his way off towards the other two. He sat Arthur's mug down on the coffee table in front of him and then before moving to sit on the arm of Aziraphale's chair and handing him his mug. "So, what did I miss?"

[thesparedata]

Arthur gave Crowley a soft "thanks" and stared into his cup a moment before taking a sip. He discovered he was thirstier than he thought he was, after having come all this way. Aziraphale thanked Crowley again and took a sip of his tea. "You didn't miss much at all. I would've waited for you, had you needed more time. This may be dreadfully important." Arthur looked up from his cup. "What might be?" "Why you're here, your Majesty." That kept his attention. "Why am I here? And, for that matter, how?"

Aziraphale took another sip before taking a breath and beginning. "It was just after the battle at Camlann. I, er, that is, Sir Aziraphale, met up with Gaius, the Court Physician, who told him, as well as the other surviving knights, what had occurred with you and Merlin." Explaining for two, more details were needed so that both of them could understand. The Angel was glad to provide it.

"Merlin, Gaius reported, as you could imagine, was distraught over the loss of you,-" "Ha,", Arthur interrupted, grinning sadly, "I told him no man was worth his tears, but when the hell did he ever listen to me? Worst manservant ever!" Man, did he miss Merlin! He started to tear up at the thought that he might not ever see him again. Aziraphale lightly chucked, remembering how Merlin had been in his youth, "Indeed!", then he went on. "He was grieving but he was hopeful, for something or someone had told him that, when Albion's need was greatest, you would return. My memory on how he knew is a little fuzzy. Anyway, he was going to wait for you. And, to my knowledge, he still waits, to this day."

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley couldn't help the soft smile on his face as the angel thanked him twice. "No need, Angel." He brought his own mug to his lips and took a sip out of it before lowering it to rest against his lap again. His expression turns serious at the angel's words, and he gives a nod. "Yes, I suppose it might be." He was still at a loss for how the old king was sitting in front of them now.

Crowley hums. He had heard of the battle but hadn't taken part in it. Which is just as well given how bloody the battle had been described to have been. He observes the two talking with a chuckle. He had heard of Merlin from Aziraphale once upon a time, though he was surprised to hear the man was still waiting. He couldn't help but be reminded of himself and Aziraphale. "So... Magic brought him back?" It wasn't as he had first suspected then. The man wasn't an angel or a demon.

[thesparedata]

Aziraphale turned to Crowley and nodded. "I suppose so, Crowley, it's the only thing I can think of." His attention was recaptured by Arthur as he put his cup down and asked, "Wait, you're telling me that Merlin is still alive?" There was a mix of hope, amazement, a more than a little worry, and some love for good measure that the angel could sense from him. Then, the sandy blond remembered, "Oh, right, sorcerer. Must've used magic for that. I wonder if he looks anything like Dragoon The Great, now." He pictured what Merlin could look like as an old man. He might be able to tease him about it!

"Possibly, but he could appear however he wanted.", agreed Aziraphale, "I hope to see if I can contact him both about you and about what 'Albion's greatest need' might entail." He glanced at Crowley. These were the days it never rained but it poured. If there was another thing they had to deal with on top of Gabriel's situation, he wasn't sure what would become of it. "I'm sure I have his number somewhere in one of my address books. How long has it been since we last spoke?"

"Number? Address books?", asked the confused Arthur, suddenly reminded of how little he knew about the world nowadays. Aziraphale gave him an apologetic look and went on to explain that as well. "Oh, well, we have a mechanical device called a telephone that can contact people we wish to speak to no matter how far away they are. A human innovation. It uses sets of numbers in order to connect one with the specific people one wishes to talk to." "Could I see?", asked the curious king. "Of course, your majesty." Aziraphale pulled out a drawer of the nearby desk and took out a few of his address books and started looking through them. "Now, was it under Wyllt or...?"

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hummed and took another sip of his tea. "It seems like the only way it could be possible." He was unable to sense the same emotions from the king as the angel could, but he could still clearly see most of them written upon the man's face. It was sickeningly sweet. His eyebrows raise at the mention of Albion's greatest need and Aziraphale's glance in his direction. "You don't think it has anything to with?..." He points upwards to portray his meaning without giving too much away.

He watches as the curious king takes an interest in their modern technology. Though could he really call Aziraphale's phone modern? The angel didn't even use a mobile phone for Satan's sake. Leaning against the angels shoulder, he peaks at the address book as he flicks through it. "Maybe Emrys?" He had heard Aziraphale use the name a few times in reference to the sorcerer.

[thesparedata]

Aziraphale had shrugged when asked if it could have anything to do with Upstairs. "I really couldn't say, though it is possible." He would ask what Merlin knew, if anything, once he could contact him. He continued going through his book until Crowley mentioned Emrys. "Hm, perhaps!" He turned it back to the E section and began to go through that instead. "That sounds something like what my sister called him, I think,", Arthur commented, "just before..."

"Well, what do you know? Here it is!" Aziraphale pointed to the number, gave Crowley a smile in thanks, then took up the phone's receiver and showed Arthur. "This is what I will be using to contact Merlin. I will talk into this and be able to hear him through it after I use this," He pointed to the rotary dial. "to tell it his number." Putting his finger on the numbers and moving the dial to the correct ones before releasing it for each number, he did just as he said he would. "It spins!", said Arthur, fascinated. Aziraphale glanced at him. "Indeed, sire, that's why this model of telephone is called a rotary phone: it rotates."

The phone began to ring through the receiver, another strange sound to Arthur. "Why is it making that noise?" It had been a long time since Aziraphale had needed to consider why it worked the way it did. "That is...to show it is working to connect us. Merlin will be hearing something similar, only it's to get his attention. His telephone will let him know someone is calling him, whenever someone does." "It can't work if the person you call doesn't have a telephone?" Aziraphale shook his head no quietly in response, listening for Merlin to pick up if he was available.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley nods with a hum and can't help his expression souring slightly. Yet another thing that Gabriel could be causing. Him being here caused risk to them all, but especially Aziraphale for taking him im. He didn't want Aziraphale to get hurt. He gave the angel a smile in return when he found the number, glad to have helped, and took another sip of his tea while waiting for the angel to be done with his call.

The phone rang for a few moments before Merlin picked up. He had been busy making some stew when it rang. "Hello?" He didn't give his number to many people, and in fact rarely used his phone really, so whoever it was, it must be important.

[thesparedata]

Aziraphale quietly sighed in relief. Yes, Merlin was there! "Hello, Merlin, it's-" He paused, realizing he was still speaking in Old English, before switching back to the kind used today. "It's me, Aziraphale. How have you been?" He intended to make sure the great sorcerer was doing alright, before getting to the purpose of his call. It was important indeed but he trusted that he and Crowley could handle things until Merlin was ready.

Arthur continued to marvel at the phone. "May I try it?", he asked before Aziraphale could even think of whether to cover the receiver. The angel turned to him, putting his hand over the phone, and switching to Old English again. "In a moment, sire, I need to hear what Merlin is saying." That done, he returned to the phone call. "So sorry about that. You were saying?" Meanwhile, Arthur stood from the couch and got closer to try to listen in, wanting to hear Merlin in whatever language he spoke now. The clinking of his armor could be heard in the background.

[crowley-j-demon]

Merlin wasn't phased by the use of old english, though he was a little unpractised in using it. "I'm good, keeping busy looking after my animals and such, how have you been?" He can't help the eyebrow raise as he speaks, Aziraphale wasn't often one to call just for a chat. What was going on?

A sharp intake of air can be heard from the sorcerer as he vaguely hears the other person speaking. It was enough for him to recognise the voice. "Is that?... Arthur?" The clinking of the armour in the background is enough to solidify his conclusion. "What happened?"

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt

[destinedlightt]

He was always made to attend these things , he hated them most of the time , none of the knights catching his attention and Arthur simply rambling on . But this time .. as he watches them file onto the tournament grounds , his eyes are drawn to one man , and he finds himself unable to keep his gaze from him . Until -

“Merlin ! I said I need help with my armor ,” the blonde rolls his eyes and tosses his chest plate at him . He catches it without being too thrown off balance and tears his gaze from the man in all black armor .

[crowley-j-demon]

Most of the knights present had brought at least one servant to attend to them during the tournament, but Crowley had arrived alone. He much preferred his own company anyway. Once he was registered, he made his way onto the ground to have a look around. His helmet was held under his arm.

He had some time before he was expected to fight, so he was just going to relax and observe his opponents. Before making his way into the city, he had used a miracle to disguise his eyes, knowing the kings feelings around sorcerers and not wanting to risk getting into trouble.

[destinedlightt]

As he’s stood to the side getting Arthur into his armor he sees the knight who’d caught his eye and he cannot help but stare . He felt something , he felt off or odd , something wasn’t ‘normal’ about this man and it intrigued him . It felt like magic of sorts but surely someone wouldn’t risk that ? In something such a public affair ?

Arthur rolls his eyes and steps away to finish his buckles on his wrist plates when he sees Merlin has completely zoned out .

“Honestly Merlin , you’re useless sometimes ,” and he walks away leaving the servant alone .

[crowley-j-demon]

He couldn't help but feel the eyes on him as he moved around the area. It took him a moment to figure out who it was, for when he looked in Merlin's direction, he was already distracted by the prince.

There was something different about the man, that much he could sense. So much power radiated from him, but why would someone that powerful be working as a servant? With his curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the man and just caught what the sandy haired prince had said to him.

Pausing beside the darker haired man once the prince had left, he comments, "Bit rude, I thought princes were supposed to be nobel."

[destinedlightt]

He turns and realizes just who had approached him , his eyes drop down , he was supposed to show nobles respect , “I- well .. he’s in a mood today it would seem ,” he shrugs , he wants to look up at him but can’t bring himself to , fiddling with the hem of his scarf instead .

“I’ve not seen your crest In tournament before ,” he states the fact .

“Visiting ? Far off or ?”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to the excuse from the man and notices his nervous behaviour with a chuckle. "You don't have to treat me like the other nobles, I've never really cared much for their stupid rules."

He glances towards the crowd and then back again, studying the man beside him now that he's close enough. "Not normally my sort of scene, I don't really compete much. An old friend of mine couldn't stop going on about how great the city is, so I figured I should pay a visit."

He purses his lips at the mention of coming from far off, "You could say that yeah."

[destinedlightt]

He tilts his head and quirks a brow at the comment of saying that , “You aren’t typical , you don’t enjoy the tournaments yet here you are and you’re from somewhere else ?” That plus the power he felt coming off of him .

“What are you ? I don’t mean to sound rude but ,” if he was magical he more than likely sensed his own , if he was in tune with it and the warlock let his guard down which he does now for a moment . A test .

[crowley-j-demon]

He shrugs with a grin on his face, "I was curious, and I don't normally compete because I can easily win... Not to sound cocky." He chuckles, "though I realise it does sound like that." He hums, "I travel a lot."

His brow cocks at that, such an outright question. "I don't know-" His words cut off as he feels the energy coming from the man increase. "I should be asking you the same thing." His eyes are wide as he glances around them to ensure they're not being listened to.

[destinedlightt]

As he notices the flux Merlin takes that as his sign , “I- well .. then I suppose we both have a gift or rather what is deemed here as a curse .. since birth ?” He asks knowing the other will understand it now .

“I was born this way , have to keep it hidden , it’s outlawed here . Which is something considering if the king had eyes he’d see his own had .”

[crowley-j-demon]

He studies the other for a moment, wondering how much he should say. He didn't really want to lie to the man, but he couldn't exactly say, or hope to explain, the fact that he's a demon to him. "I guess you could say that."

He nods, "I know it is, but no one will catch me. They don't know of the techniques my kind use." Miracles were very much out of their field of vision. Nothing gave them away, not unless you were a demon or angel yourself. He studies him again, born with magic? "Explains why I sense so much from you."

[crowley-j-demon]

He's doing his best to take good care of Aziraphale's bookshop while he's away investigating when he hears the bell signify someone's entry. Throwing the books in his hands away and using a miracle to ensure their safety, he makes his way to the front. "Hello there, how can I help you?"

[thesparedata]

Books! Books would be just the thing he needed to guide him! The blond in armor opened up the door to the building wherein he'd seen shelves upon shelves of them through its windows. A bell rung. He took a look then stepped in. He was a tall, muscular fellow, late twenties to early thirties.

His blue eyes didn't have long to scan his surroundings before he was approached by the red-haired shopkeeper. "Um..." He took a second before he noticed the other man's eyes and held up his hands, taking a tense, cautious stance. "Please, I don't mean any harm, Sorcerer, I swear, I'm just looking for Camelot!", he spoke in a language that sounded Germanic but wasn't exactly German, his tone insistent, trying to calm and assure.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley paused a few feet away from the sandy haired man and gave him a confused look, his head tilting to the side, "sorcerer?" He'd become much more comfortable in recent years, and thus had stopped wearing his sunglasses as often as he used to. Though, he still wore them while he was out and about. The bookshop had been quiet all day. Thus, he had forgotten to put his signature shades on.

He easily understood the man's accent, having been stationed on earth for six thousand years. "I'm no sorcerer." He catches onto the man's words, and the language he was using and squints at him. Giving him a confused look up and down, he shakes his head, "Camelot? But it hasn't existed for years."

[thesparedata]

Slowly, the knight relaxed, putting down his arms, while studying the other. He seemed honest enough. He smiled sheepishly. "My mistake. A trick of the light, perhaps. Everything is so strange here..." He gestured to the fake candles. He was relieved to have someone he could finally understand, someone who understood him too, in a place such as this.

"Hasn't existed for years?", he repeated, scoffing, "My entire kingdom couldn't just disappear, it's inconceivable!" He glanced about the place again, looking for a map or something he might not have noticed on his first look, and gave it a little thought, trying to come up with a way he could still go home to those he'd known. "Maybe it was renamed in my absence? Gwenhwyfar must've had her reasons and thought up something suitable."

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to man's words, trying to wrap his head around his strange behaviour when he catches onto the meaning. 'Trick of the light'. Crowley wasn't wearing his sunglasses. He quickly pulled them from his jacket pocket and slipped them on. "Strange? How so?" He studied the man once more, making note of his clothing. Something odd was going on here.

His eyebrow raises at the man's outburst at Camelot, not existing anymore. "Your kingdom?..." Then something clicks in his mind, fragments of memories from long ago. Aziraphale's ramblings from long ago, back when they had both been knights, fighting under different kings. "Wait... You're not?... But that's impossible..." How many years had it been? Too many for any normal human to still be alive, surely. It would take more than a miracle to make that happen. "King Arthur?"

He shakes his head. "I mean, yes, it was renamed many times, but that kingdom doesn't exist anymore. Too much time has passed." He walks in a circle around the man, inspecting him, then he reaches out to poke the man in the chest. "You shouldn't be alive. How are you alive?" He really needed Aziraphale here to help him with this. He was way out of his depth.

[thesparedata]

Arthur paused, his eyes widening. 'Gone'? 'Too much time'? Trying to fully comprehend it, he barely reacted from the poke in the chest, not that there was much to feel with the armor he wore but it helped to bring him back a bit. "I...I don't know..." He blinked and refocused, looking to the other. "I've been asking myself that! Not even Merlin had been able to-"

The shop bell rang again and Arthur could hear footsteps behind him and an excited voice saying, "Crowley, you'll never guess what happened!" His expression turned cautiously hopeful at its familiarity and he turned around to see one of his knights holding a small armful of books. It didn't make sense, based on what the shopkeeper- Crowley?- had said, but there he was! "Aziraphale!"

Aziraphale gasped, seeing him, and clutched his books tighter. "Oh good Lord!" Arthur grinned, close to crying with happiness but trying to hold back as usual. "It's really you!" He chuckled, going over to greet him properly with a clap on the shoulder "Your Majesty!", the Angel breathed, scarcely able to believe it. He remembered his king's face. It had taken him a second, after the surprise of seeing a knight in his bookshop but he was able to place him. "Wel-Welcome back!" He glanced to Crowley, giving him a look that promised an explanation would be forthcoming, before inviting Arthur to come in and sit down.

[crowley-j-demon]

Just when the demon had been thinking about calling the angel, he walked into the shop. Speak of the devil!... Angel?... Whatever. Thank Satan for his arrival! Surely the angel would have some explanation for all of this? Crowley peaked around Arthur to watch the angel enter the bookshop, and despite the situation, he couldn't help the surge of happiness within him at his return. "I think we have more pressing matters right now, angel." Though he was curious what Aziraphale had wanted to talk about, and where he had managed to get the new books from. Knowing the angel, he had probably been busy investigating and gotten distracted.

Well, that settles that question. It really was King Arthur then. Still, the question of how and why remains in his mind. He caught the angels look and gave a nod in return. At least one of them seemed to have an idea of what was going on. "I'll go make some tea. We're going to need it." Perhaps he should just skip to drinking some wine instead? He mulls this over as he leaves the room to go and get the tea ready.

[thesparedata]

"Yes, quite!", agreed Aziraphale, "Thank you, Crowley!" He was definitely going to need some tea. Arthur might, too. He made to lead the former ruler towards his couch in the back. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you! Your...Crowley said time had passed and Camelot was gone, and I thought..." Aziraphale glanced to Arthur, who was following, in sympathy. "I understand. It's a little complicated but I will do my best to help explain everything I know." And, after, he would have a phone call to make to an old friend, unless he already knew. Merlin...How was he, these days?

Aziraphale sat Arthur down on the comfy, old sofa, giving him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder and, setting the books he'd brought back aside, sat himself down in his usual chair. "There we are. Now, first things first, I'm sorry to say that what Crowley said was true. We are in the year of our Lord two-thousand and twenty-three.", he said gently, "And Camelot has indeed been lost to time, though some things stilp remain." "Two-thousand and twenty-three..." Arthur frowned sadly and ran a hand through his hair. This was a lot. "That's why everything is so strange, but, if everything and everyone is gone, how come you're here?"

The Angel hated to lie to him even halfway, and it would be letting him down, but it was necessary. Humans weren't to know, not even kings. "Sir Aziraphale of the Table Round was my ancestor after whom I was named, he passed down the tales of you and the others through the family. I believe I may even have his diaries somewhere in the shop." Poor boy, Arthur looked like he was holding back tears. He couldn't keep the sadness from his voice. "You favor him in looks....This bookshop is yours?" "Yes, well, Crowley was minding it for me. He's...my oldest and dearest of friends. It's our bookshop, really, in all but name.", Aziraphale explained with his fondness for Crowley clearly showing.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley made his way to the kitchen in the back of the bookshop and began to make tea for the three of them, and one for Gabriel, who was currently upstairs in his room. He hummed to himself while moving around the room to grab the cups and such. He could use a miracle to make the tea easily, but he much preferred to make it the traditional way.

Once the cups were made, he left three of them sitting on the counter and made his way upstairs. Knocking on Gabriel's door, he sat the tea on the floor outside, "I made tea for you!" He still wasn't particularly happy with the ex arch angel being in the bookshop, but for Aziraphale's sake, he was doing his best to 'get on' with him.

He then made his way back down the stairs and grabbed the three cups of tea before making his way off towards the other two. He sat Arthur's mug down on the coffee table in front of him and then before moving to sit on the arm of Aziraphale's chair and handing him his mug. "So, what did I miss?"

[thesparedata]

Arthur gave Crowley a soft "thanks" and stared into his cup a moment before taking a sip. He discovered he was thirstier than he thought he was, after having come all this way. Aziraphale thanked Crowley again and took a sip of his tea. "You didn't miss much at all. I would've waited for you, had you needed more time. This may be dreadfully important." Arthur looked up from his cup. "What might be?" "Why you're here, your Majesty." That kept his attention. "Why am I here? And, for that matter, how?"

Aziraphale took another sip before taking a breath and beginning. "It was just after the battle at Camlann. I, er, that is, Sir Aziraphale, met up with Gaius, the Court Physician, who told him, as well as the other surviving knights, what had occurred with you and Merlin." Explaining for two, more details were needed so that both of them could understand. The Angel was glad to provide it.

"Merlin, Gaius reported, as you could imagine, was distraught over the loss of you,-" "Ha,", Arthur interrupted, grinning sadly, "I told him no man was worth his tears, but when the hell did he ever listen to me? Worst manservant ever!" Man, did he miss Merlin! He started to tear up at the thought that he might not ever see him again. Aziraphale lightly chucked, remembering how Merlin had been in his youth, "Indeed!", then he went on. "He was grieving but he was hopeful, for something or someone had told him that, when Albion's need was greatest, you would return. My memory on how he knew is a little fuzzy. Anyway, he was going to wait for you. And, to my knowledge, he still waits, to this day."

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley couldn't help the soft smile on his face as the angel thanked him twice. "No need, Angel." He brought his own mug to his lips and took a sip out of it before lowering it to rest against his lap again. His expression turns serious at the angel's words, and he gives a nod. "Yes, I suppose it might be." He was still at a loss for how the old king was sitting in front of them now.

Crowley hums. He had heard of the battle but hadn't taken part in it. Which is just as well given how bloody the battle had been described to have been. He observes the two talking with a chuckle. He had heard of Merlin from Aziraphale once upon a time, though he was surprised to hear the man was still waiting. He couldn't help but be reminded of himself and Aziraphale. "So... Magic brought him back?" It wasn't as he had first suspected then. The man wasn't an angel or a demon.

[thesparedata]

Aziraphale turned to Crowley and nodded. "I suppose so, Crowley, it's the only thing I can think of." His attention was recaptured by Arthur as he put his cup down and asked, "Wait, you're telling me that Merlin is still alive?" There was a mix of hope, amazement, a more than a little worry, and some love for good measure that the angel could sense from him. Then, the sandy blond remembered, "Oh, right, sorcerer. Must've used magic for that. I wonder if he looks anything like Dragoon The Great, now." He pictured what Merlin could look like as an old man. He might be able to tease him about it!

"Possibly, but he could appear however he wanted.", agreed Aziraphale, "I hope to see if I can contact him both about you and about what 'Albion's greatest need' might entail." He glanced at Crowley. These were the days it never rained but it poured. If there was another thing they had to deal with on top of Gabriel's situation, he wasn't sure what would become of it. "I'm sure I have his number somewhere in one of my address books. How long has it been since we last spoke?"

"Number? Address books?", asked the confused Arthur, suddenly reminded of how little he knew about the world nowadays. Aziraphale gave him an apologetic look and went on to explain that as well. "Oh, well, we have a mechanical device called a telephone that can contact people we wish to speak to no matter how far away they are. A human innovation. It uses sets of numbers in order to connect one with the specific people one wishes to talk to." "Could I see?", asked the curious king. "Of course, your majesty." Aziraphale pulled out a drawer of the nearby desk and took out a few of his address books and started looking through them. "Now, was it under Wyllt or...?"

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hummed and took another sip of his tea. "It seems like the only way it could be possible." He was unable to sense the same emotions from the king as the angel could, but he could still clearly see most of them written upon the man's face. It was sickeningly sweet. His eyebrows raise at the mention of Albion's greatest need and Aziraphale's glance in his direction. "You don't think it has anything to with?..." He points upwards to portray his meaning without giving too much away.

He watches as the curious king takes an interest in their modern technology. Though could he really call Aziraphale's phone modern? The angel didn't even use a mobile phone for Satan's sake. Leaning against the angels shoulder, he peaks at the address book as he flicks through it. "Maybe Emrys?" He had heard Aziraphale use the name a few times in reference to the sorcerer.

[thesparedata]

Aziraphale had shrugged when asked if it could have anything to do with Upstairs. "I really couldn't say, though it is possible." He would ask what Merlin knew, if anything, once he could contact him. He continued going through his book until Crowley mentioned Emrys. "Hm, perhaps!" He turned it back to the E section and began to go through that instead. "That sounds something like what my sister called him, I think,", Arthur commented, "just before..."

"Well, what do you know? Here it is!" Aziraphale pointed to the number, gave Crowley a smile in thanks, then took up the phone's receiver and showed Arthur. "This is what I will be using to contact Merlin. I will talk into this and be able to hear him through it after I use this," He pointed to the rotary dial. "to tell it his number." Putting his finger on the numbers and moving the dial to the correct ones before releasing it for each number, he did just as he said he would. "It spins!", said Arthur, fascinated. Aziraphale glanced at him. "Indeed, sire, that's why this model of telephone is called a rotary phone: it rotates."

The phone began to ring through the receiver, another strange sound to Arthur. "Why is it making that noise?" It had been a long time since Aziraphale had needed to consider why it worked the way it did. "That is...to show it is working to connect us. Merlin will be hearing something similar, only it's to get his attention. His telephone will let him know someone is calling him, whenever someone does." "It can't work if the person you call doesn't have a telephone?" Aziraphale shook his head no quietly in response, listening for Merlin to pick up if he was available.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley nods with a hum and can't help his expression souring slightly. Yet another thing that Gabriel could be causing. Him being here caused risk to them all, but especially Aziraphale for taking him im. He didn't want Aziraphale to get hurt. He gave the angel a smile in return when he found the number, glad to have helped, and took another sip of his tea while waiting for the angel to be done with his call.

The phone rang for a few moments before Merlin picked up. He had been busy making some stew when it rang. "Hello?" He didn't give his number to many people, and in fact rarely used his phone really, so whoever it was, it must be important.

[crowley-j-demon]

He's doing his best to take good care of Aziraphale's bookshop while he's away investigating when he hears the bell signify someone's entry. Throwing the books in his hands away and using a miracle to ensure their safety, he makes his way to the front. "Hello there, how can I help you?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie had been one of Aziraphale’s tenants for some time now. She had a flower shop just a few seconds away from the bookstore so she’d brought a bouquet for him as a sign of appreciation for all of his kindness. She was taken back however when she wasn’t greeted with her friend but and tall and lanky man. “ hi.. is Aziraphale in?” She asked kindly.

[crowley-j-demon]

The demon studies her from underneath his shades for a moment and tries to determine if he knows her or not. "Ah... No, he's away for a few days, sorry. I'm watching the bookshop for him while he's away." Not that he knows all that much about books, but it was still nice to be entrusted with the job. "I can take a message for him if you like? Or if there's anything I can help you with, I would be glad to."

[vintagemoss]

Marie nodded to the news and tempted the thought of asking where he was but it seemed to be private if he was gone for a while. “ could you take in these flowers for him? I know he quite enjoys the lilies.” She said and held out the bouquet of flowers to him.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley's face lights up at the sight of the lillies. He loved plants, even though he had rather unconventional methods of growing them. He had even taken quite a few of his plants into the bookshop with him after Aziraphale had left. "Oh yes! I'll take good care of them! I love plants." He gestures to a few of the larger plants he had set up nearby. "I'm sure he'll love them." He can't help asking with curiosity, "any particular reason you're giving them to him?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie’s eyes seemed to glisten in excitement to know someone might share the same passion for Mother Nature like she did. It was so exciting! She looked over to the pants he put in the bookstore and smiled. “ they are beautiful.” She commented before looking at him once more. “ oh! I was a bit under on my rent and Aziraphale said it was okay. I felt bad so I brought him the flowers as an offering of kindness.”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley grins as she compliments his plants, taking great pride from it. "Thank you! I pride myself on making sure they're perfect." Where his normal routine would be to slack off, he never does so with his plants.

He can't help the fond smile on his face or the chuckle he lets out. "Course he did, just like him." He takes the flowers from her and goes to put them into a vase. "You don't have to feel bad. That sort of thing is regular for him. It makes him happy to help people. He never needs or wants anything in return." He can't keep the fondness out of his tone as he speaks.

[vintagemoss]

Marie smiled at his words and nodded. She was pleased to see such an intriguing guy shared a similar hobby to hers. “ maybe you should visit my store one day?” She suggested and chewed her lip anxiously for his answer. He didn’t look like the typical person to walk into her store for flowers but he didn’t look like one to look after a book store for a friend either.

She let him take the flowers and watched as he put it in a vase making her frown. They was going to die before Aziraphale even saw them! She looked at him trying to listen but she was so distracted by the flowers that was screaming for her help. “ he won’t be able to see my own appreciation if you put the flowers like that..” she sighed and looked up at him with tinted cheeks. “ can I come in and fix it?”

[crowley-j-demon]

He hums in agreement and gives her a nod, "Yeah, maybe I will. I'd love to see what you have on offer." The way he dressed himself was really just a facade to scare people away from him. As Aziraphale loved to tell him, he really was a nice person... Very deep down.

He paused and turned to her with a raised brow, "how so?" He was just going to use a miracle on them when she left, but he was curious what she had to say. He took a step away from the vase and gave her a nod, "Yeah, you can come in." He looked back to the flowers with a puzzled expression. "I don't really do flowers, so I don't know as much about caring for them."

[vintagemoss]

As soon as the mystery man stepped out of her way to make her a path in, she went straight in and to work on her gifted flowers. She smiled at his words as she took them out the vase and unwrapped the stems. “ that’s okay, you’re forgiven.” She giggled before she felt in her waist apron for her scissors.

“ why don’t you buy any flowers? They have immense amounts of health benefits as do succulents and plants which I assume is what you have?” She asked as she carefully snipped the stems to an angle

[crowley-j-demon]

He watched her as she worked, trying to pick up some pointers for the future so he wouldn't have to use a miracle. He chuckles at that and shakes his head. If only she knew.

He shrugs, "never really been my thing, is all. They're more Angel's thing, so if i'm getting them, I usually just give them to him." He hums as he watches her work, "I don't really need the health benefits from them, so I never really bothered." There were a number of ways he could 'die,' but none of them involved the usual human illnesses. "I have a lot of plants, most of the quite big. If i do get any succulents, I usually just give them to Aziraphale as well."

[vintagemoss]

Marie listened to him and smiled at the nickname she assumed was for Aziraphale. Now she thought of it, the sandy haired man did remind her in many ways to be one of an Angel. Her smile faded to a frown however when he spoke about his health and looked over her shoulder to him. “ everyone needs it.. sir;” she never really caught his name. “, it gives of pheromones to relax the nerves and induce hedonia.” She explained to him before she was back to sniping.

Her smile soon returned when he went back to a lighter subject and nodded. “ would you like to do this one?” She asked, seeing how he was staring at her doing her work

[crowley-j-demon]

He hums in response but doesn't protest her words. She didn't know he was a demon, and she didn't need to know that piece of information. The less everyone here knew, the better. They would be safe... Hopefully. He can't help glancing up at the ceiling and thinking of Gabriel in his room. His mere presence here posed a threat to everyone.

"Suppose I could use with something to help relax me..." He has been under a lot of stress lately. He nods in agreement, "sure, i suppose I could give it a go."

[vintagemoss]

Marie smiled when he’d agree and moved out the way for him to take the scissors from her. “ what is you man’s? I never got it..” she asked kindly and showed him how to cut the stem

[crowley-j-demon]

He moved into the space she vacated and grabbed the scissors before turning to look at the flowers. "It's Crowley, sorry forgot to mention before." He picked up one of the flowers and held the scissors to the stem before glancing at her, "like this?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie smiled and moved away from him but not far. She’d look from the side of him as he grabbed the scissors and nodded at his name. “ that’s a pretty name..” she said softly. She gave him a thumbs up when he positioned the scissors correctly and took his hand to move it down slightly before he was to snip

[crowley-j-demon]

He can't help the tint to his cheeks at her compliment. "Thanks... I chose it myself." He had been known by two other names in the past. One from when he was an angel, the other from when he had just come to earth. He allowed her to reposition his hand and then snipped the stem.

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt

[destinedlightt]

He was always made to attend these things , he hated them most of the time , none of the knights catching his attention and Arthur simply rambling on . But this time .. as he watches them file onto the tournament grounds , his eyes are drawn to one man , and he finds himself unable to keep his gaze from him . Until -

“Merlin ! I said I need help with my armor ,” the blonde rolls his eyes and tosses his chest plate at him . He catches it without being too thrown off balance and tears his gaze from the man in all black armor .

[crowley-j-demon]

Most of the knights present had brought at least one servant to attend to them during the tournament, but Crowley had arrived alone. He much preferred his own company anyway. Once he was registered, he made his way onto the ground to have a look around. His helmet was held under his arm.

He had some time before he was expected to fight, so he was just going to relax and observe his opponents. Before making his way into the city, he had used a miracle to disguise his eyes, knowing the kings feelings around sorcerers and not wanting to risk getting into trouble.

[destinedlightt]

As he’s stood to the side getting Arthur into his armor he sees the knight who’d caught his eye and he cannot help but stare . He felt something , he felt off or odd , something wasn’t ‘normal’ about this man and it intrigued him . It felt like magic of sorts but surely someone wouldn’t risk that ? In something such a public affair ?

Arthur rolls his eyes and steps away to finish his buckles on his wrist plates when he sees Merlin has completely zoned out .

“Honestly Merlin , you’re useless sometimes ,” and he walks away leaving the servant alone .

[crowley-j-demon]

He couldn't help but feel the eyes on him as he moved around the area. It took him a moment to figure out who it was, for when he looked in Merlin's direction, he was already distracted by the prince.

There was something different about the man, that much he could sense. So much power radiated from him, but why would someone that powerful be working as a servant? With his curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the man and just caught what the sandy haired prince had said to him.

Pausing beside the darker haired man once the prince had left, he comments, "Bit rude, I thought princes were supposed to be nobel."

[destinedlightt]

He turns and realizes just who had approached him , his eyes drop down , he was supposed to show nobles respect , “I- well .. he’s in a mood today it would seem ,” he shrugs , he wants to look up at him but can’t bring himself to , fiddling with the hem of his scarf instead .

“I’ve not seen your crest In tournament before ,” he states the fact .

“Visiting ? Far off or ?”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to the excuse from the man and notices his nervous behaviour with a chuckle. "You don't have to treat me like the other nobles, I've never really cared much for their stupid rules."

He glances towards the crowd and then back again, studying the man beside him now that he's close enough. "Not normally my sort of scene, I don't really compete much. An old friend of mine couldn't stop going on about how great the city is, so I figured I should pay a visit."

He purses his lips at the mention of coming from far off, "You could say that yeah."

[destinedlightt]

He tilts his head and quirks a brow at the comment of saying that , “You aren’t typical , you don’t enjoy the tournaments yet here you are and you’re from somewhere else ?” That plus the power he felt coming off of him .

“What are you ? I don’t mean to sound rude but ,” if he was magical he more than likely sensed his own , if he was in tune with it and the warlock let his guard down which he does now for a moment . A test .

[crowley-j-demon]

He shrugs with a grin on his face, "I was curious, and I don't normally compete because I can easily win... Not to sound cocky." He chuckles, "though I realise it does sound like that." He hums, "I travel a lot."

His brow cocks at that, such an outright question. "I don't know-" His words cut off as he feels the energy coming from the man increase. "I should be asking you the same thing." His eyes are wide as he glances around them to ensure they're not being listened to.

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt

[destinedlightt]

He was always made to attend these things , he hated them most of the time , none of the knights catching his attention and Arthur simply rambling on . But this time .. as he watches them file onto the tournament grounds , his eyes are drawn to one man , and he finds himself unable to keep his gaze from him . Until -

“Merlin ! I said I need help with my armor ,” the blonde rolls his eyes and tosses his chest plate at him . He catches it without being too thrown off balance and tears his gaze from the man in all black armor .

[crowley-j-demon]

Most of the knights present had brought at least one servant to attend to them during the tournament, but Crowley had arrived alone. He much preferred his own company anyway. Once he was registered, he made his way onto the ground to have a look around. His helmet was held under his arm.

He had some time before he was expected to fight, so he was just going to relax and observe his opponents. Before making his way into the city, he had used a miracle to disguise his eyes, knowing the kings feelings around sorcerers and not wanting to risk getting into trouble.

[destinedlightt]

As he’s stood to the side getting Arthur into his armor he sees the knight who’d caught his eye and he cannot help but stare . He felt something , he felt off or odd , something wasn’t ‘normal’ about this man and it intrigued him . It felt like magic of sorts but surely someone wouldn’t risk that ? In something such a public affair ?

Arthur rolls his eyes and steps away to finish his buckles on his wrist plates when he sees Merlin has completely zoned out .

“Honestly Merlin , you’re useless sometimes ,” and he walks away leaving the servant alone .

[crowley-j-demon]

He couldn't help but feel the eyes on him as he moved around the area. It took him a moment to figure out who it was, for when he looked in Merlin's direction, he was already distracted by the prince.

There was something different about the man, that much he could sense. So much power radiated from him, but why would someone that powerful be working as a servant? With his curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the man and just caught what the sandy haired prince had said to him.

Pausing beside the darker haired man once the prince had left, he comments, "Bit rude, I thought princes were supposed to be nobel."

[destinedlightt]

He turns and realizes just who had approached him , his eyes drop down , he was supposed to show nobles respect , “I- well .. he’s in a mood today it would seem ,” he shrugs , he wants to look up at him but can’t bring himself to , fiddling with the hem of his scarf instead .

“I’ve not seen your crest In tournament before ,” he states the fact .

“Visiting ? Far off or ?”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to the excuse from the man and notices his nervous behaviour with a chuckle. "You don't have to treat me like the other nobles, I've never really cared much for their stupid rules."

He glances towards the crowd and then back again, studying the man beside him now that he's close enough. "Not normally my sort of scene, I don't really compete much. An old friend of mine couldn't stop going on about how great the city is, so I figured I should pay a visit."

He purses his lips at the mention of coming from far off, "You could say that yeah."

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt

[destinedlightt]

He was always made to attend these things , he hated them most of the time , none of the knights catching his attention and Arthur simply rambling on . But this time .. as he watches them file onto the tournament grounds , his eyes are drawn to one man , and he finds himself unable to keep his gaze from him . Until -

“Merlin ! I said I need help with my armor ,” the blonde rolls his eyes and tosses his chest plate at him . He catches it without being too thrown off balance and tears his gaze from the man in all black armor .

[crowley-j-demon]

Most of the knights present had brought at least one servant to attend to them during the tournament, but Crowley had arrived alone. He much preferred his own company anyway. Once he was registered, he made his way onto the ground to have a look around. His helmet was held under his arm.

He had some time before he was expected to fight, so he was just going to relax and observe his opponents. Before making his way into the city, he had used a miracle to disguise his eyes, knowing the kings feelings around sorcerers and not wanting to risk getting into trouble.

[destinedlightt]

As he’s stood to the side getting Arthur into his armor he sees the knight who’d caught his eye and he cannot help but stare . He felt something , he felt off or odd , something wasn’t ‘normal’ about this man and it intrigued him . It felt like magic of sorts but surely someone wouldn’t risk that ? In something such a public affair ?

Arthur rolls his eyes and steps away to finish his buckles on his wrist plates when he sees Merlin has completely zoned out .

“Honestly Merlin , you’re useless sometimes ,” and he walks away leaving the servant alone .

[crowley-j-demon]

He couldn't help but feel the eyes on him as he moved around the area. It took him a moment to figure out who it was, for when he looked in Merlin's direction, he was already distracted by the prince.

There was something different about the man, that much he could sense. So much power radiated from him, but why would someone that powerful be working as a servant? With his curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the man and just caught what the sandy haired prince had said to him.

Pausing beside the darker haired man once the prince had left, he comments, "Bit rude, I thought princes were supposed to be nobel."

[crowley-j-demon]

He's doing his best to take good care of Aziraphale's bookshop while he's away investigating when he hears the bell signify someone's entry. Throwing the books in his hands away and using a miracle to ensure their safety, he makes his way to the front. "Hello there, how can I help you?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie had been one of Aziraphale’s tenants for some time now. She had a flower shop just a few seconds away from the bookstore so she’d brought a bouquet for him as a sign of appreciation for all of his kindness. She was taken back however when she wasn’t greeted with her friend but and tall and lanky man. “ hi.. is Aziraphale in?” She asked kindly.

[crowley-j-demon]

The demon studies her from underneath his shades for a moment and tries to determine if he knows her or not. "Ah... No, he's away for a few days, sorry. I'm watching the bookshop for him while he's away." Not that he knows all that much about books, but it was still nice to be entrusted with the job. "I can take a message for him if you like? Or if there's anything I can help you with, I would be glad to."

[vintagemoss]

Marie nodded to the news and tempted the thought of asking where he was but it seemed to be private if he was gone for a while. “ could you take in these flowers for him? I know he quite enjoys the lilies.” She said and held out the bouquet of flowers to him.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley's face lights up at the sight of the lillies. He loved plants, even though he had rather unconventional methods of growing them. He had even taken quite a few of his plants into the bookshop with him after Aziraphale had left. "Oh yes! I'll take good care of them! I love plants." He gestures to a few of the larger plants he had set up nearby. "I'm sure he'll love them." He can't help asking with curiosity, "any particular reason you're giving them to him?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie’s eyes seemed to glisten in excitement to know someone might share the same passion for Mother Nature like she did. It was so exciting! She looked over to the pants he put in the bookstore and smiled. “ they are beautiful.” She commented before looking at him once more. “ oh! I was a bit under on my rent and Aziraphale said it was okay. I felt bad so I brought him the flowers as an offering of kindness.”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley grins as she compliments his plants, taking great pride from it. "Thank you! I pride myself on making sure they're perfect." Where his normal routine would be to slack off, he never does so with his plants.

He can't help the fond smile on his face or the chuckle he lets out. "Course he did, just like him." He takes the flowers from her and goes to put them into a vase. "You don't have to feel bad. That sort of thing is regular for him. It makes him happy to help people. He never needs or wants anything in return." He can't keep the fondness out of his tone as he speaks.

[vintagemoss]

Marie smiled at his words and nodded. She was pleased to see such an intriguing guy shared a similar hobby to hers. “ maybe you should visit my store one day?” She suggested and chewed her lip anxiously for his answer. He didn’t look like the typical person to walk into her store for flowers but he didn’t look like one to look after a book store for a friend either.

She let him take the flowers and watched as he put it in a vase making her frown. They was going to die before Aziraphale even saw them! She looked at him trying to listen but she was so distracted by the flowers that was screaming for her help. “ he won’t be able to see my own appreciation if you put the flowers like that..” she sighed and looked up at him with tinted cheeks. “ can I come in and fix it?”

[crowley-j-demon]

He hums in agreement and gives her a nod, "Yeah, maybe I will. I'd love to see what you have on offer." The way he dressed himself was really just a facade to scare people away from him. As Aziraphale loved to tell him, he really was a nice person... Very deep down.

He paused and turned to her with a raised brow, "how so?" He was just going to use a miracle on them when she left, but he was curious what she had to say. He took a step away from the vase and gave her a nod, "Yeah, you can come in." He looked back to the flowers with a puzzled expression. "I don't really do flowers, so I don't know as much about caring for them."

[vintagemoss]

As soon as the mystery man stepped out of her way to make her a path in, she went straight in and to work on her gifted flowers. She smiled at his words as she took them out the vase and unwrapped the stems. “ that’s okay, you’re forgiven.” She giggled before she felt in her waist apron for her scissors.

“ why don’t you buy any flowers? They have immense amounts of health benefits as do succulents and plants which I assume is what you have?” She asked as she carefully snipped the stems to an angle

[crowley-j-demon]

He watched her as she worked, trying to pick up some pointers for the future so he wouldn't have to use a miracle. He chuckles at that and shakes his head. If only she knew.

He shrugs, "never really been my thing, is all. They're more Angel's thing, so if i'm getting them, I usually just give them to him." He hums as he watches her work, "I don't really need the health benefits from them, so I never really bothered." There were a number of ways he could 'die,' but none of them involved the usual human illnesses. "I have a lot of plants, most of the quite big. If i do get any succulents, I usually just give them to Aziraphale as well."

[vintagemoss]

Marie listened to him and smiled at the nickname she assumed was for Aziraphale. Now she thought of it, the sandy haired man did remind her in many ways to be one of an Angel. Her smile faded to a frown however when he spoke about his health and looked over her shoulder to him. “ everyone needs it.. sir;” she never really caught his name. “, it gives of pheromones to relax the nerves and induce hedonia.” She explained to him before she was back to sniping.

Her smile soon returned when he went back to a lighter subject and nodded. “ would you like to do this one?” She asked, seeing how he was staring at her doing her work

[crowley-j-demon]

He hums in response but doesn't protest her words. She didn't know he was a demon, and she didn't need to know that piece of information. The less everyone here knew, the better. They would be safe... Hopefully. He can't help glancing up at the ceiling and thinking of Gabriel in his room. His mere presence here posed a threat to everyone.

"Suppose I could use with something to help relax me..." He has been under a lot of stress lately. He nods in agreement, "sure, i suppose I could give it a go."

[vintagemoss]

Marie smiled when he’d agree and moved out the way for him to take the scissors from her. “ what is you man’s? I never got it..” she asked kindly and showed him how to cut the stem

[crowley-j-demon]

He moved into the space she vacated and grabbed the scissors before turning to look at the flowers. "It's Crowley, sorry forgot to mention before." He picked up one of the flowers and held the scissors to the stem before glancing at her, "like this?"

[crowley-j-demon]

He's doing his best to take good care of Aziraphale's bookshop while he's away investigating when he hears the bell signify someone's entry. Throwing the books in his hands away and using a miracle to ensure their safety, he makes his way to the front. "Hello there, how can I help you?"

[thesparedata]

Books! Books would be just the thing he needed to guide him! The blond in armor opened up the door to the building wherein he'd seen shelves upon shelves of them through its windows. A bell rung. He took a look then stepped in. He was a tall, muscular fellow, late twenties to early thirties.

His blue eyes didn't have long to scan his surroundings before he was approached by the red-haired shopkeeper. "Um..." He took a second before he noticed the other man's eyes and held up his hands, taking a tense, cautious stance. "Please, I don't mean any harm, Sorcerer, I swear, I'm just looking for Camelot!", he spoke in a language that sounded Germanic but wasn't exactly German, his tone insistent, trying to calm and assure.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley paused a few feet away from the sandy haired man and gave him a confused look, his head tilting to the side, "sorcerer?" He'd become much more comfortable in recent years, and thus had stopped wearing his sunglasses as often as he used to. Though, he still wore them while he was out and about. The bookshop had been quiet all day. Thus, he had forgotten to put his signature shades on.

He easily understood the man's accent, having been stationed on earth for six thousand years. "I'm no sorcerer." He catches onto the man's words, and the language he was using and squints at him. Giving him a confused look up and down, he shakes his head, "Camelot? But it hasn't existed for years."

[thesparedata]

Slowly, the knight relaxed, putting down his arms, while studying the other. He seemed honest enough. He smiled sheepishly. "My mistake. A trick of the light, perhaps. Everything is so strange here..." He gestured to the fake candles. He was relieved to have someone he could finally understand, someone who understood him too, in a place such as this.

"Hasn't existed for years?", he repeated, scoffing, "My entire kingdom couldn't just disappear, it's inconceivable!" He glanced about the place again, looking for a map or something he might not have noticed on his first look, and gave it a little thought, trying to come up with a way he could still go home to those he'd known. "Maybe it was renamed in my absence? Gwenhwyfar must've had her reasons and thought up something suitable."

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hums in response to man's words, trying to wrap his head around his strange behaviour when he catches onto the meaning. 'Trick of the light'. Crowley wasn't wearing his sunglasses. He quickly pulled them from his jacket pocket and slipped them on. "Strange? How so?" He studied the man once more, making note of his clothing. Something odd was going on here.

His eyebrow raises at the man's outburst at Camelot, not existing anymore. "Your kingdom?..." Then something clicks in his mind, fragments of memories from long ago. Aziraphale's ramblings from long ago, back when they had both been knights, fighting under different kings. "Wait... You're not?... But that's impossible..." How many years had it been? Too many for any normal human to still be alive, surely. It would take more than a miracle to make that happen. "King Arthur?"

He shakes his head. "I mean, yes, it was renamed many times, but that kingdom doesn't exist anymore. Too much time has passed." He walks in a circle around the man, inspecting him, then he reaches out to poke the man in the chest. "You shouldn't be alive. How are you alive?" He really needed Aziraphale here to help him with this. He was way out of his depth.

[thesparedata]

Arthur paused, his eyes widening. 'Gone'? 'Too much time'? Trying to fully comprehend it, he barely reacted from the poke in the chest, not that there was much to feel with the armor he wore but it helped to bring him back a bit. "I...I don't know..." He blinked and refocused, looking to the other. "I've been asking myself that! Not even Merlin had been able to-"

The shop bell rang again and Arthur could hear footsteps behind him and an excited voice saying, "Crowley, you'll never guess what happened!" His expression turned cautiously hopeful at its familiarity and he turned around to see one of his knights holding a small armful of books. It didn't make sense, based on what the shopkeeper- Crowley?- had said, but there he was! "Aziraphale!"

Aziraphale gasped, seeing him, and clutched his books tighter. "Oh good Lord!" Arthur grinned, close to crying with happiness but trying to hold back as usual. "It's really you!" He chuckled, going over to greet him properly with a clap on the shoulder "Your Majesty!", the Angel breathed, scarcely able to believe it. He remembered his king's face. It had taken him a second, after the surprise of seeing a knight in his bookshop but he was able to place him. "Wel-Welcome back!" He glanced to Crowley, giving him a look that promised an explanation would be forthcoming, before inviting Arthur to come in and sit down.

[crowley-j-demon]

Just when the demon had been thinking about calling the angel, he walked into the shop. Speak of the devil!... Angel?... Whatever. Thank Satan for his arrival! Surely the angel would have some explanation for all of this? Crowley peaked around Arthur to watch the angel enter the bookshop, and despite the situation, he couldn't help the surge of happiness within him at his return. "I think we have more pressing matters right now, angel." Though he was curious what Aziraphale had wanted to talk about, and where he had managed to get the new books from. Knowing the angel, he had probably been busy investigating and gotten distracted.

Well, that settles that question. It really was King Arthur then. Still, the question of how and why remains in his mind. He caught the angels look and gave a nod in return. At least one of them seemed to have an idea of what was going on. "I'll go make some tea. We're going to need it." Perhaps he should just skip to drinking some wine instead? He mulls this over as he leaves the room to go and get the tea ready.

[thesparedata]

"Yes, quite!", agreed Aziraphale, "Thank you, Crowley!" He was definitely going to need some tea. Arthur might, too. He made to lead the former ruler towards his couch in the back. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you! Your...Crowley said time had passed and Camelot was gone, and I thought..." Aziraphale glanced to Arthur, who was following, in sympathy. "I understand. It's a little complicated but I will do my best to help explain everything I know." And, after, he would have a phone call to make to an old friend, unless he already knew. Merlin...How was he, these days?

Aziraphale sat Arthur down on the comfy, old sofa, giving him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder and, setting the books he'd brought back aside, sat himself down in his usual chair. "There we are. Now, first things first, I'm sorry to say that what Crowley said was true. We are in the year of our Lord two-thousand and twenty-three.", he said gently, "And Camelot has indeed been lost to time, though some things stilp remain." "Two-thousand and twenty-three..." Arthur frowned sadly and ran a hand through his hair. This was a lot. "That's why everything is so strange, but, if everything and everyone is gone, how come you're here?"

The Angel hated to lie to him even halfway, and it would be letting him down, but it was necessary. Humans weren't to know, not even kings. "Sir Aziraphale of the Table Round was my ancestor after whom I was named, he passed down the tales of you and the others through the family. I believe I may even have his diaries somewhere in the shop." Poor boy, Arthur looked like he was holding back tears. He couldn't keep the sadness from his voice. "You favor him in looks....This bookshop is yours?" "Yes, well, Crowley was minding it for me. He's...my oldest and dearest of friends. It's our bookshop, really, in all but name.", Aziraphale explained with his fondness for Crowley clearly showing.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley made his way to the kitchen in the back of the bookshop and began to make tea for the three of them, and one for Gabriel, who was currently upstairs in his room. He hummed to himself while moving around the room to grab the cups and such. He could use a miracle to make the tea easily, but he much preferred to make it the traditional way.

Once the cups were made, he left three of them sitting on the counter and made his way upstairs. Knocking on Gabriel's door, he sat the tea on the floor outside, "I made tea for you!" He still wasn't particularly happy with the ex arch angel being in the bookshop, but for Aziraphale's sake, he was doing his best to 'get on' with him.

He then made his way back down the stairs and grabbed the three cups of tea before making his way off towards the other two. He sat Arthur's mug down on the coffee table in front of him and then before moving to sit on the arm of Aziraphale's chair and handing him his mug. "So, what did I miss?"

[thesparedata]

Arthur gave Crowley a soft "thanks" and stared into his cup a moment before taking a sip. He discovered he was thirstier than he thought he was, after having come all this way. Aziraphale thanked Crowley again and took a sip of his tea. "You didn't miss much at all. I would've waited for you, had you needed more time. This may be dreadfully important." Arthur looked up from his cup. "What might be?" "Why you're here, your Majesty." That kept his attention. "Why am I here? And, for that matter, how?"

Aziraphale took another sip before taking a breath and beginning. "It was just after the battle at Camlann. I, er, that is, Sir Aziraphale, met up with Gaius, the Court Physician, who told him, as well as the other surviving knights, what had occurred with you and Merlin." Explaining for two, more details were needed so that both of them could understand. The Angel was glad to provide it.

"Merlin, Gaius reported, as you could imagine, was distraught over the loss of you,-" "Ha,", Arthur interrupted, grinning sadly, "I told him no man was worth his tears, but when the hell did he ever listen to me? Worst manservant ever!" Man, did he miss Merlin! He started to tear up at the thought that he might not ever see him again. Aziraphale lightly chucked, remembering how Merlin had been in his youth, "Indeed!", then he went on. "He was grieving but he was hopeful, for something or someone had told him that, when Albion's need was greatest, you would return. My memory on how he knew is a little fuzzy. Anyway, he was going to wait for you. And, to my knowledge, he still waits, to this day."

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley couldn't help the soft smile on his face as the angel thanked him twice. "No need, Angel." He brought his own mug to his lips and took a sip out of it before lowering it to rest against his lap again. His expression turns serious at the angel's words, and he gives a nod. "Yes, I suppose it might be." He was still at a loss for how the old king was sitting in front of them now.

Crowley hums. He had heard of the battle but hadn't taken part in it. Which is just as well given how bloody the battle had been described to have been. He observes the two talking with a chuckle. He had heard of Merlin from Aziraphale once upon a time, though he was surprised to hear the man was still waiting. He couldn't help but be reminded of himself and Aziraphale. "So... Magic brought him back?" It wasn't as he had first suspected then. The man wasn't an angel or a demon.

[thesparedata]

Aziraphale turned to Crowley and nodded. "I suppose so, Crowley, it's the only thing I can think of." His attention was recaptured by Arthur as he put his cup down and asked, "Wait, you're telling me that Merlin is still alive?" There was a mix of hope, amazement, a more than a little worry, and some love for good measure that the angel could sense from him. Then, the sandy blond remembered, "Oh, right, sorcerer. Must've used magic for that. I wonder if he looks anything like Dragoon The Great, now." He pictured what Merlin could look like as an old man. He might be able to tease him about it!

"Possibly, but he could appear however he wanted.", agreed Aziraphale, "I hope to see if I can contact him both about you and about what 'Albion's greatest need' might entail." He glanced at Crowley. These were the days it never rained but it poured. If there was another thing they had to deal with on top of Gabriel's situation, he wasn't sure what would become of it. "I'm sure I have his number somewhere in one of my address books. How long has it been since we last spoke?"

"Number? Address books?", asked the confused Arthur, suddenly reminded of how little he knew about the world nowadays. Aziraphale gave him an apologetic look and went on to explain that as well. "Oh, well, we have a mechanical device called a telephone that can contact people we wish to speak to no matter how far away they are. A human innovation. It uses sets of numbers in order to connect one with the specific people one wishes to talk to." "Could I see?", asked the curious king. "Of course, your majesty." Aziraphale pulled out a drawer of the nearby desk and took out a few of his address books and started looking through them. "Now, was it under Wyllt or...?"

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley hummed and took another sip of his tea. "It seems like the only way it could be possible." He was unable to sense the same emotions from the king as the angel could, but he could still clearly see most of them written upon the man's face. It was sickeningly sweet. His eyebrows raise at the mention of Albion's greatest need and Aziraphale's glance in his direction. "You don't think it has anything to with?..." He points upwards to portray his meaning without giving too much away.

He watches as the curious king takes an interest in their modern technology. Though could he really call Aziraphale's phone modern? The angel didn't even use a mobile phone for Satan's sake. Leaning against the angels shoulder, he peaks at the address book as he flicks through it. "Maybe Emrys?" He had heard Aziraphale use the name a few times in reference to the sorcerer.

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt

[destinedlightt]

He was always made to attend these things , he hated them most of the time , none of the knights catching his attention and Arthur simply rambling on . But this time .. as he watches them file onto the tournament grounds , his eyes are drawn to one man , and he finds himself unable to keep his gaze from him . Until -

“Merlin ! I said I need help with my armor ,” the blonde rolls his eyes and tosses his chest plate at him . He catches it without being too thrown off balance and tears his gaze from the man in all black armor .

[crowley-j-demon]

Most of the knights present had brought at least one servant to attend to them during the tournament, but Crowley had arrived alone. He much preferred his own company anyway. Once he was registered, he made his way onto the ground to have a look around. His helmet was held under his arm.

He had some time before he was expected to fight, so he was just going to relax and observe his opponents. Before making his way into the city, he had used a miracle to disguise his eyes, knowing the kings feelings around sorcerers and not wanting to risk getting into trouble.

[crowley-j-demon]

//gonna try and catch up on replies today and relax some, then i'm back to work tomorrow, and i need to try and do coursework

[crowley-j-demon]

He's doing his best to take good care of Aziraphale's bookshop while he's away investigating when he hears the bell signify someone's entry. Throwing the books in his hands away and using a miracle to ensure their safety, he makes his way to the front. "Hello there, how can I help you?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie had been one of Aziraphale’s tenants for some time now. She had a flower shop just a few seconds away from the bookstore so she’d brought a bouquet for him as a sign of appreciation for all of his kindness. She was taken back however when she wasn’t greeted with her friend but and tall and lanky man. “ hi.. is Aziraphale in?” She asked kindly.

[crowley-j-demon]

The demon studies her from underneath his shades for a moment and tries to determine if he knows her or not. "Ah... No, he's away for a few days, sorry. I'm watching the bookshop for him while he's away." Not that he knows all that much about books, but it was still nice to be entrusted with the job. "I can take a message for him if you like? Or if there's anything I can help you with, I would be glad to."

[vintagemoss]

Marie nodded to the news and tempted the thought of asking where he was but it seemed to be private if he was gone for a while. “ could you take in these flowers for him? I know he quite enjoys the lilies.” She said and held out the bouquet of flowers to him.

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley's face lights up at the sight of the lillies. He loved plants, even though he had rather unconventional methods of growing them. He had even taken quite a few of his plants into the bookshop with him after Aziraphale had left. "Oh yes! I'll take good care of them! I love plants." He gestures to a few of the larger plants he had set up nearby. "I'm sure he'll love them." He can't help asking with curiosity, "any particular reason you're giving them to him?"

[vintagemoss]

Marie’s eyes seemed to glisten in excitement to know someone might share the same passion for Mother Nature like she did. It was so exciting! She looked over to the pants he put in the bookstore and smiled. “ they are beautiful.” She commented before looking at him once more. “ oh! I was a bit under on my rent and Aziraphale said it was okay. I felt bad so I brought him the flowers as an offering of kindness.”

[crowley-j-demon]

Crowley grins as she compliments his plants, taking great pride from it. "Thank you! I pride myself on making sure they're perfect." Where his normal routine would be to slack off, he never does so with his plants.

He can't help the fond smile on his face or the chuckle he lets out. "Course he did, just like him." He takes the flowers from her and goes to put them into a vase. "You don't have to feel bad. That sort of thing is regular for him. It makes him happy to help people. He never needs or wants anything in return." He can't keep the fondness out of his tone as he speaks.

[vintagemoss]

Marie smiled at his words and nodded. She was pleased to see such an intriguing guy shared a similar hobby to hers. “ maybe you should visit my store one day?” She suggested and chewed her lip anxiously for his answer. He didn’t look like the typical person to walk into her store for flowers but he didn’t look like one to look after a book store for a friend either.

She let him take the flowers and watched as he put it in a vase making her frown. They was going to die before Aziraphale even saw them! She looked at him trying to listen but she was so distracted by the flowers that was screaming for her help. “ he won’t be able to see my own appreciation if you put the flowers like that..” she sighed and looked up at him with tinted cheeks. “ can I come in and fix it?”

[crowley-j-demon]

He hums in agreement and gives her a nod, "Yeah, maybe I will. I'd love to see what you have on offer." The way he dressed himself was really just a facade to scare people away from him. As Aziraphale loved to tell him, he really was a nice person... Very deep down.

He paused and turned to her with a raised brow, "how so?" He was just going to use a miracle on them when she left, but he was curious what she had to say. He took a step away from the vase and gave her a nod, "Yeah, you can come in." He looked back to the flowers with a puzzled expression. "I don't really do flowers, so I don't know as much about caring for them."

[vintagemoss]

As soon as the mystery man stepped out of her way to make her a path in, she went straight in and to work on her gifted flowers. She smiled at his words as she took them out the vase and unwrapped the stems. “ that’s okay, you’re forgiven.” She giggled before she felt in her waist apron for her scissors.

“ why don’t you buy any flowers? They have immense amounts of health benefits as do succulents and plants which I assume is what you have?” She asked as she carefully snipped the stems to an angle

[crowley-j-demon]

He watched her as she worked, trying to pick up some pointers for the future so he wouldn't have to use a miracle. He chuckles at that and shakes his head. If only she knew.

He shrugs, "never really been my thing, is all. They're more Angel's thing, so if i'm getting them, I usually just give them to him." He hums as he watches her work, "I don't really need the health benefits from them, so I never really bothered." There were a number of ways he could 'die,' but none of them involved the usual human illnesses. "I have a lot of plants, most of the quite big. If i do get any succulents, I usually just give them to Aziraphale as well."

[vintagemoss]

Marie listened to him and smiled at the nickname she assumed was for Aziraphale. Now she thought of it, the sandy haired man did remind her in many ways to be one of an Angel. Her smile faded to a frown however when he spoke about his health and looked over her shoulder to him. “ everyone needs it.. sir;” she never really caught his name. “, it gives of pheromones to relax the nerves and induce hedonia.” She explained to him before she was back to sniping.

Her smile soon returned when he went back to a lighter subject and nodded. “ would you like to do this one?” She asked, seeing how he was staring at her doing her work

[crowley-j-demon]

He hums in response but doesn't protest her words. She didn't know he was a demon, and she didn't need to know that piece of information. The less everyone here knew, the better. They would be safe... Hopefully. He can't help glancing up at the ceiling and thinking of Gabriel in his room. His mere presence here posed a threat to everyone.

"Suppose I could use with something to help relax me..." He has been under a lot of stress lately. He nods in agreement, "sure, i suppose I could give it a go."

[crowley-j-demon]

The black knight:

It's tournament season once again in Camelot, and this time, Crowley has decided to make his way into the city to compete. He easily forges some documents, proving his royal lineage using one of his miracles. This would be his first time in the city, though he had heard many tales of how 'great' the kingdom is. That remains to be seen... He never did particularly like authority figures.

He makes his way through the crowds, milling through the town up towards the castle. Some knights are already in front of him in the queue to sign in, but it should be his turn soon enough. He holds his documents in his hand, along with the crest he had made for himself, consisting of a snake wrapped around a black sword.

@destinedlightt